Australian survey results…..

To date one small survey of 128 people who used cannabis medicinally has been undertaken in Australia (Swift et al. 2005).2 Its results are largely consistent with similar surveys undertaken overseas (though some international research notes patients using cannabis for further conditions or symptoms than those listed below). The conditions or symptoms for which it was used by these 128 people are presented in table 1. Most respondents used cannabis for multiple conditions or symptoms.
Table 1: Conditions/symptoms treated with cannabis
Condition/symptom
%
Depression
56
Chronic pain
57
Arthritis
35
Migraine
17
Weight loss
26
Persistent nausea
27
Spinal cord injury
13
Spasms (spasticity)
16
Fibromyalgia
13
Wasting
11
ME (chronic fatigue)
13
Neuralgia/neuropathy
12
HIV/AIDS
8
Multiple sclerosis
7
Cancer
4
Other neurological disorder
6
Glaucoma
2
PTSD
<1
Irritable bowel syndrome
<1
Source: Swift et al (2005)
The survey found that use was typically long-term and regular. Many respondents had previously or were continuing to use cannabis non-medicinally, and some had discovered its therapeutic effects from their non-medicinal use. Others had tried cannabis at the suggestion of friends or doctors. Most respondents had tried various routes of administration, but reported typically smoking the cannabis. Although many reported
2 The authors note two other unpublished surveys undertaken which were not available.
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concerns with smoking, particularly with its respiratory effects, smoking was preferred due its quick effect, allowing self-titration of dose, as well as cost considerations.
There was a high level of satisfaction among the sample with the effects of cannabis in relation to the condition or symptom for which it was being used. About two-thirds (62%) of respondents reported reducing or ceasing use of other medication after starting to use cannabis. This finding is consistent with international surveys, which also reveal high rates of patient satisfaction (Ogborne et al. 2000, Grotenhermen and Schnelle 2003, Ware et al.
2005, Reiman 2007, Aggarwal et al. 2013, Walsh et al. 2013). Many of these surveys may be skewed towards patients who have chosen to continue using medicinal cannabis, and of course these self-reported patient perceptions provide no evidence of efficacy. However, these surveys have been considered evidence of good toleration of medical cannabis among many patients.